Living Healthy Washington County strives to make a positive difference in the community by working to create health-friendly policies, programs and resources that make it easier for residents to make healthy choices in their daily routines.
Living Healthy Washington County is funded, in part, by a grant from the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP), Minnesota Department of Health, a state-based program that works at the local level to support healthier communities by expanding opportunities for active living, healthy eating, well-being and commercial tobacco-free living.
When applications opened for the 2023 growing season, nearly 60 people applied to rent the 26 available garden plots. Demand was high among West African residents who were interested in not only growing culturally important foods, but also drawn to an activity that would bring the community together, reducing stress and isolation. Many others shared that gardening helped them feel a connection to their homeland and childhood memories.
